Have you ever stopped and thought about all of the time spent on your feet? Between healthcare and hospitality professions, caretakers, and everyday tasks such as household chores and getting in our daily steps, it’s not unusual to spend hours up and on our feet each day. However, when one spends so much time on their feet, foot pain can be a considerable annoyance and inconvenience, disrupting daily activities and quality of life. While this type of pain is not uncommon, very few stop and ask what the root cause is. For many, the answer is simple – your floor is the culprit. But how can your floor be the cause of so much pain? Here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, caused by irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that spans across the sole of the foot and connects the heel bone to the base of the toes. It supports the foot’s arch and absorbs shock when walking, so tension and stress on the fascia can cause tiny tears. In addition, repeated stretching and tearing of the facia can irritate or inflame it, leading to a stabbing sensation that usually occurs with one’s first steps in the morning. While the pain typically decreases throughout the day, it might return after long periods of standing or standing up after sitting for an extended time.
An Unnatural Occurrence
When was the last time you saw concrete sidewalks, tile and hardwood floors, or hard pavement occur naturally in nature? The answer is never. As we’ve moved to a world covered in laminates, hardwood, and tile floors, our feet have begun to pay the price. These modern surfaces challenge the biomechanical features of our feet, resulting in pain and inflammation. Simply standing on these unforgiving surfaces for any length of time applies great pressure on the plantar fascia, as does repetitive impact of the heel on a hard surface in an activity like walking or running. As a result, more and more people are suffering from plantar fasciitis. The problem is, we can’t avoid the floor of our own home. So, what is one to do?
Quick Tips for Rapid Relief:
Ice: Icing your foot can help decrease pain and inflammation for rapid relief.
Invest in Proper Footwear: Invest in shoes with proper arch support to minimize the pull on the plantar fascia and reduce irritation to the heel.
Get Grounded: Connect with the Earth and reap the benefits! Walk barefoot on soft natural surfaces such as sand and grass more often to improve balance and strengthen the muscles of the foot.
Soften the Blow: If your home is equipped with hardwood floors, placing padded rugs throughout areas where you spend most of your time, such as in front of the kitchen sink or laundry, will help decrease the amount of pressure placed on your heel.
Get to the Bottom of Your Pain with Synergy
Here at Synergy Health, our staff is dedicated to helping our patients feel better once and for all. We offer a variety of treatments and individualized care plans for each patient so that you can say goodbye to your pain once and for all. If you have been experiencing the pain of plantar fasciitis, contact us today and schedule a visit to learn more about how we can help you get back to living a healthier, happier life!
